Viewfinder Reviews
Viewfinder invents an entirely new kind of puzzle, then proceeds to flip it around and explore it from every possible angle. Despite a disappointing narrative, the creativity and character packed into that simulated world is inspirational and bloody good fun.
An impressively-designed puzzler that'll leave an indelible mark on anyone's cerebral photo album.
Viewfinder is a rare type of game that pops up with a concept and executes it magnificently from start to end. Though some will be disappointed by its length, it's undoubtedly a memorable experience and one I can wholeheartedly recommend.
It really is a remarkable game, and in a year that’s been blessed with way more than its fair share of standout games, I’d put Viewfinder on the same level as any of them.
At the price point, it is worth picking up, but if you have a tight wallet and want a game with a ton of hours of gameplay, then it is better to wait until it goes on sale. Unless you hate puzzle games, you will most likely enjoy this game and enjoy the variety of puzzles.
We definitely recommend it to all fans of inventive puzzles who do not need hardcore complexity and a powerful challenge for the brain. Connoisseurs of elegant level design - too. One of the most talked-about indie games of the summer of 2023 lives up to expectations, albeit not completely.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The core gameplay hook of shifting reality via photography is incredibly well implemented. This results in an incredibly fun experience from start to finish.
Viewfinder is a unique game that begs to be experienced. I do wish it was available on more platforms as everyone needs to experience this unique puzzle game. I could not put it down until the end and I cannot wait to see what this team accomplishes next. There is so much here that impresses, it never overstays its welcome, and the technical achievement will be talked about for years. Definitely play this game if you have the means
Overall, Viewfinder is a unique puzzle game that both experienced problem solvers and fresh-faced novices will find enjoyment in. Filled with several hours of fun and plenty of hidden treasures to reveal, there is no doubt that Viewfinder is setting a new standard for creativity and innovation that should raise the bar of players' expectations out of games adjacent to it in the genre.
With so many ideas in visual and level design, Viewfinder is a must-have title for any puzzle game enthusiast.
Review in Italian | Read full review
More than its main mechanic, where we can bring to life all the objects we photograph, Viewfinder surprises by never losing its desire to astonish the player and provide new mechanics and puzzles throughout the campaign.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Viewfinder explores an interesting concept that greatly uses perspective to build entertaining puzzles that do some really interesting things, but in the end I left the experience with the feeling that more could have been done, and some of the new mechanics introduced towards the end don't really get to shine.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I did however have the best time solving its puzzles, which I’d hate to spoil here. But man, when you turn a photo upside-down and then stuff falls out of it? That moment got me to gasp. And the gravity physics were fun enough to have me playing with them until I made myself a little seasick. Viewfinder doesn’t have the tonal mastery of an exploration game like Myst, but it’s puzzles are second to none in the genre. You should definitely challenge yourself with Viewfinder, the most beguiling puzzle game of the year.
Mind-bending first-person puzzlers don't get much better than Viewfinder so play it if you enjoy games like Portal and Superliminal.
Viewfinder raises and mixes a great series of mechanics where images and perspective play a crucial role to solve the puzzles that the game poses.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Viewfinder is a brilliant puzzle game. Taking inspiration of games like The Witness or Portal, Viewfinder is not only accesible for people not too fond of the genre but also has a great difficulty curve without feeling too handholdy. The game has a great pacing and doesn't overstay its time, although the story and its characters might be a little more robust.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Viewfinder is a delightfully fresh and enjoyable puzzler. The unique photo dropping gimmick is implemented perfectly, and repeatedly built upon over the course of the campaign. Some elements outside of the gameplay could have used work, but this is still a solid debut effort.
Viewfinder seems harmless, like a little game that you'd happily put on the pile of cool games you'd like to play some day. But that would be a mistake. It offers much more than a simple puzzle game experience. Viewfinder is innovative in more ways than one. It tries to get a number of messages across, it tries things, it leaves us free while keeping us captivated by its universe, and it offers a fascinating visual journey to anyone willing to look beyond what the main art direction suggests. Viewfinder isn't just a fun game, it's a real little nugget. No matter how you look at it.
Review in French | Read full review
While it is on the short side, what Viewfinder does is remind us that there are still universes of awesome new mechanics and concepts for gaming to explore. The ability to drop a 2D photo’s physical contents into any 3D space at any time and have it work flawlessly is something you have to experience yourself to understand. With gently ambient music, soothingly warm visuals, and a brief but thoroughly worthwhile story, you’ll be effortlessly absorbed into its magical world. Viewfinder has such a unique, well-executed premise, it takes the whole puzzle genre into the darkroom and develops it into something wonderfully new.
Viewfinder is a beautiful example of not needing bombastic stories, realistic graphics, or a billion different ideas to make a great game. Sometimes, all it takes is one idea. Something new, something special, something extraordinary. And that's precisely how this puzzle title can be described.
Review in Czech | Read full review